The journey of a lifetime
 Today I write to you for the very last time as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal; a moment in my life that brings with it mixed emotions and reflection. I see the person I am today, and in looking back at almost 50 years of a life that has been inextricably intertwined with The UWI, the St. Augustine Campus, and Trinidad and Tobago, I am comfortable in saying it was a wonderful Caribbean journey.
Coming from Berbice, a rural town in Guyana to this campus in 1969, I was only a little boy, an 18-year-old, who wanted to experience the world in search of education. I brought with me only dreams and aspirations, while leaving a promise to my parents, siblings and friends that I would do them proud.
I had only known my birthplace, Guyana, waking up in the mornings and seeing “Dutch Guiana” (now Suriname). The Caribbean was just a word that was imagined, but not experienced. That quickly changed, as living at Canada Hall expanded my vision and added a perspective of Caribbean culture. I was privileged to be among young students like myself, many of whom came from various Caribbean countries, all trying to make the adjustment to a new way of life. This regional UWI environment truly became my cultural classroom, and I was able to grasp an understanding of the diversity of the people of the region, as well as their hopes and aspirations. This exposure was the genesis of my incarnation as a Caribbean person. I emerged as a new individual with a regional philosophy; my insight and appreciation of our rich cultural heritage expanded immensely. The process of my assimilation had begun, as my understanding and respect for the many influences of my environment changed my way of seeing. It did not take me long to embrace the fact that I was more than just Guyanese; I was a son of the Caribbean and it was The UWI that provided the mould which shaped my life in a meaningful way, both academically, professionally and socially.
Having spent most of my life here, Trinidad and Tobago has contributed significantly to my development. This country has given me new opportunities and an extended family of so many friends, acquaintances and colleagues. This is my home. As a committed member of The UWI fraternity for 40 years, this is where I have grown and where I have been allowed to serve the region in a very impactful way through my various appointments.
I also served many rewarding years as Chairman of the Boards of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, and on the Boards and Agencies of the State – allowing me to participate fully in national development. I am therefore grateful to all the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago for their steady support of our Campus and University.
I have been asked more recently by many, whether I would miss being Principal. Most certainly I will. But I will more miss being a part of the regional UWI, the St. Augustine Campus, and my home faculty: the Faculty of Engineering, which truly influenced my desire to foster development through service. I owe much to many mentors and leaders, past and present, both within and outside of The UWI. While I am proud to have been born and educated at an early age in Guyana, I feel equally proud and grateful to the country that I call home. Everything about me is Trinidadian! My wife is from Trinidad and Tobago, my children are ‘Trinis’ and my interest and passion have resided here since 1969. I am Trini to the “flesh” not possibly to the “bone” – Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural diversity and space have truly absorbed me.
In short, it has been a remarkable journey for me, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The UWI has been my life. The friendships I have developed over the many years across the region will undoubtedly last a lifetime. My life in academia and public service are well documented and while the time has come for me to leave The UWI system, I am doing so in anticipation of a new journey; a journey I imagine will bring with it rewarding new experiences and opportunities. I accept this new destiny; hopefully taking me along a path that will allow me to continue my contribution as an academic.
I will use this occasion to recommit my time to my family and provide them with the direct support that may have been subdued in having to share my focus with the University for so many years. I salute my family for their understanding and patience with me. My time was never “our” time.
I wish all my former colleagues, students, friends and acquaintances the best for the future, and I express my sincerest thanks for the pivotal roles they have played in making my lifelong journey a gratifying and memorable one – one which I hope has brought value to our Campus and University, to Trinidad and Tobago, the region and elsewhere.
Thank you and God bless you all.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Campus Principals:Professor Clement Sankat (Former Campus Principal) Professor Brian Copeland (Current Principal)
Director of Marketing and Communications: Dr. Dawn-Marie De
Four-Gill
Editor: Ms. Vaneisa Baksh [vaneisa.baksh@sta.uwi.edu]
Contact us:
The UWI Marketing and Communications Office
Tel: (868) 662-2002 exts. 82013, 83997
Email: uwitoday@sta.uwi.edu
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